In a plot twist rarely seen, Lamine Yamal has officially become the most valuable player in world soccer. At just 18 years old and with a value of €200 million, Yamal has surpassed established figures such as Vinícius, Mbappé, Haaland, and Bellingham.
The new king of the market
This milestone is the result of his meteoric progression at Barça and Spain, where he has shown exceptional competitive maturity and talent, both in passing and scoring.
The news comes to Lamine Yamal right after he reached adulthood. After renewing his contract until 2031 and receiving the number 10 jersey worn, among others, by Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Messi.
The top 10 from Transfermarkt
According to Transfermarkt, this is the ranking of the 10 most valuable footballers on the planet:
1.- Lamine Yamal (Barça) – €200M
2.- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – €180M
3.- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – €180M
4.- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – €180M
5.- Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid) – €170M
6.- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – €150M
7.- Pedri (Barça) – €140M
8.- Florian Wirtz (Bayern/Liverpool) – €140M
9.- Jamal Musiala (Bayern) – €140M
10.- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) – €130M
The dominance of LaLiga
This data reflects the power of LaLiga as a melting pot of talent. Four players in the top 5 and seven in the ideal eleven according to Transfermarkt's market values.
Real Madrid contributes three footballers to that list: Bellingham, Vinícius, and Valverde. Barça has two representatives in the top 10: Yamal, as first, Pedri, seventh.
The difference is that Lamine cost Barça nothing and Pedri arrived for a modest sum. The players Real Madrid features wore white in exchange for large amounts.
Why Yamal?
His value jump has been brutal: he went from €90M to €200M after standing out in the Euro Cup and LaLiga.
At 18, he has already broken records. He was the youngest player nominated for the Ballon d'Or, top assist provider in LaLiga, and a key figure in the Spanish national team that won the Euro Cup.
Lamine Yamal is not only the most valuable footballer on the planet; he also embodies the success of Barça's post-Messi model. A young, homegrown player, exporter of style, and with a projection that seems unstoppable.
Vinícius, in free fall
Bellingham, Haaland, and Mbappé, valued at €180M, complete the podium. Vinícius, who reached €200M last season, has dropped to €170M, reflecting his recent inconsistency.